Survey Results – February 2012 Workforce Planning Hamilton (WPH) thanks the 49 employers who completed the February 2012 Workforce Check-Up and shared how many jobs were gained or lost at their companies during the month of January 2012. We hope this survey will become a monthly habit for Hamilton employers and HR professionals as WPH continues to monitor the local workforce and plan for future labour market development. The next Workforce Check-Up Survey will be sent out on March 6th and will close on March 15th at 4:30pm. The results will be released within a week of closing the survey. If you are interested in participating, please call 905-521-5777 or email cyndi.ingle@workforceplanninghamilton.ca. The Workforce Check-Up provides a monthly snapshot of labour market activity in Hamilton. WPH cannot verify the statistical validity of this information.
Labour Force Trends The unemployment rate in Hamilton in January 2011 was 6.6%, and was 6.3% in January 2012. The comparison of Hamilton to neighbouring CMAs, such as Toronto and St. Catharines-Niagara, revealed that Hamilton had the lowest unemployment rate in January 2012. Toronto had a rate of 8% and St. Catharines-Niagara had a rate of 7.5%.
Overall Jobs Gained/Lost 50
44
40 30
30 20
14
10 0 Jobs Gained
Jobs Lost
Net Gain
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Key Findings of Survey •
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The results of this month’s Workforce Check-Up revealed that the majority of employment change in Hamilton occurred in the manufacturing, construction, other services (except public administration), and healthcare/social assistance sectors. Thirteen industries are represented in this month’s survey. The top five industries based on number of participants include: health care
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and social assistance; manufacturing; other services (except public administration); construction; and educational. Respondents of this month’s survey reported a total of 44 jobs created, both full and part-time, while 14 jobs were lost, for a net gain of 30 jobs.
According to respondents, 62% of companies did not experience any change in their workforce during the month of January 2012. However, those industries that did experience change include: construction; health care and social assistance; manufacturing, educational, and other services (except public administration). The following diagram highlights the top industries and occupations that experienced the greatest amount of change in January 2012.
Jobs Gained Manufacturing
Healthcare/Social Assistance
Machine Operators
Jobs Lost Construction
Carpenter
Arts, Entertainment
Marketing Co-ordinator
Other Services
Administration
Personal Support Workers
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